Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid: what it is in skincare
A smaller, broken-down form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates more easily to support deeper-feeling hydration.
What it does
Function: humectant. Humectants draw water into the upper layers of skin, the backbone of K-beauty "dewy" hydration. They work best sandwiched under an emollient or occlusive that locks the water in.
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How to spot it on a label
On a Korean product's INCI list, look for Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid. Ingredients are listed high-to-low by amount, so its position hints at how much is in the formula. See all humectants โ
Explore the full K-beauty hub โRelated
Glycerin (Glycerol)Sodium HyaluronateHyaluronic AcidSodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerAcetylated Sodium Hyaluronate (Super HA)Sodium PCAโ๏ธ Written & reviewed by the KoreaPlus Editorial team โ dermatologist-informed, cosmetic-science researched & source-cited. Last reviewed 2026-06-21.
General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording โ not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. ยฉ KoreaPlus.